S Hughes A. Yes, there is an alternative . . . Florida, after all, is home to 4,000 miles of nature trails, 7,800 lakes and 1,700 rivers and creeks, so this natural beauty should be the basis for your trip.

Some 120 miles south of Sarasota is the Everglades National Park without a Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck in sight.

The range of real animals, though, is astonishing.

You could take a 10-day guided trip down the Wilderness Waterway with Everglades International Hostel (www. evergladeshostel. com, 001 305 2481122) for around 150 a head or you could get a camping permit to stay on the islands from the Gulf Coast Visitor Centre (001 239 6953311).

If you're looking for a more beach-based option, try Captiva Island just off the coast of Fort Myers. The soft, sandy beaches here make it very child-friendly. You could rent a cottage overlooking the mangroves and bay of Pine Island Sound at the South Seas Resort (www. southseas. com, 001 877 2051293) . . . prices in the New Year are from around 300 a night for all four of you, in accommodation that includes kitchen facilities.